MEMORY VERSE: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.” Numbers 27:7.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Numbers 27:1-7
INTRODUCTION
Zelophehad means, the shade or tingling of fear. This man was from the tribe of Manasseh, he was part of the Israelites who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses that died in the wilderness. He had five daughters but no sons and therefore he had no male heirs. After His death, his daughters; Mahlah, Noha, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah went to Moses to demand their father’s inheritance because as women, they were not entitled to any inheritance. Moses took the matter to God, and they were justified. We have some lessons to learn from these ladies and the need to ask for our ordained inheritance.
OUTLINE
1. YOU NEED TO ASK
2. LESSONS FROM ZELOPHEHAD’S DAUGHTERS
1. YOU NEED TO ASK
Although our heavenly Father knows our needs Matthew 6:8, Jesus emphasised the need to ask in Matthew 7:7. To ask is important because it is those who ask that will receive Matthew 7:8; 1 Kings 10:13. Enquiring or asking sheds light on a subject Deuteronomy 32:7-8 as it brings clarity and revelation. It brings results because our requests are granted Ezra 7:6. We have access to information and become informed Genesis 43:7-8. Seeking answers provides adequate counsel and direction on the next steps to take Judges 1:1; 20:23. Being specific in our request gives us a greater chance of getting what we want 2 Kings 2:9-10; Matthew 7:9. It gives us access to our inheritance Psalm 2:8. We get a good understanding of the old biblical principles Jeremiah 6:16. Even research shows that asking questions builds our level of emotional intelligence.
2. LESSONS FROM ZELOPHEHAD’S DAUGHTERS
The following are some life lessons to learn from these ladies.
- BE AUDACIOUS: Irrespective of their gender and the limitations placed on women in Israel (then) they were brave, and they chose to ask for what they felt was due to them Numbers 27:1.
- ONE VOICE: The daughters of Zelophehad stood united before Moses, the priest, and even the congregation of Israel Numbers 27:1-2; Genesis 11:6.
- GO TO THE RIGHT SOURCE: These ladies did not beat about the bush; they went to the man in charge who they knew could handle their matter to give them what they wanted. They went to the right source Numbers 27:2.
- KNOWLEDGE: They were informed and had a good knowledge of history to know that those who rebelled against God had died in the wilderness Numbers 27:3a; Proverbs 13:16; 11:9.
- SPEAK OUT: They placed a demand on Moses to get their father’s inheritance. Moses brought their matter to God Numbers 27:4-5 and God vindicated them by granting their request Numbers 27:7. As a child of God, you must learn to speak out and claim your inheritance.
- BE AN EMANCIPATOR: They brought freedom to others as they raised the legal case of a woman’s right and obligation to inherit property in the absence of a male in the family and a law was made to regulate inheritance in Israel Numbers 27:8.
- OBEDIENCE: They fully compiled with the instruction God gave through Moses that they should get married only within their father’s tribe Numbers 36:6; 11.
CONCLUSION
Talking what belongs to us may sometimes require some conscious, deliberate, and necessary efforts. Step out into your inheritance now.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Numbers 27:3-7
MON: Genesis 11;5-6
TUE: Matthew 7:7-11
WED: Psalm 2:7-8
THUR: Proverbs 15:20-21
FRI: Ecclesiastes 7:9-10
SAT: James 1:5